San Francisco Giants star catcher Buster Posey posted a heartfelt statement on social media in remembrance of a SEAL Team 6 member who was killed during a raid on al Qaeda militants in Yemen, according to the Department of Defense.

Chief Petty Officer William "Ryan" Owens, 36, of Peoria, Illinois was killed Sunday when his aircraft, an MV-22 Osprey, experienced what Pentagon officials described as a "hard landing," NBC News reported.

"Ryan was a member of Seal Team 6 and a big Giants fan. He would come to spring training frequently and I had the honor of meeting him and his son in 2012. For me, it is easy to take for granted the life that my family and I get to live everyday. Words don't do justice for the gratitude that I have for people like Ryan that sacrifice their lives fighting against evil, so that we may live with freedom."

Owens enlisted in the Navy in 1998 and earned numerous awards and decorations, including two bronze stars with a combat "V" for valor and heroic service, according to NBC News.

"Unfortunately for Ryan's family, they lost a husband and a father this weekend. I can't imagine the pain they must be going through," Posey wrote. "Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Ryan Owens was a hero that is gone way too soon."

Two other SEALs were hurt in the landing. The purpose of the raid was to gather intelligence and that "almost everything went wrong," according to a Pentagon official.

A second SEAL was killed in a weapons battle and three more were injured. Fourteen militants were killed -- among them were three senior al Qaeda leaders, the official told NBC News.